I just read your soothingly fact-free editorial about the federal shutdown (“Fact: Federal shutdowns are ridiculous,” Times-Standard, Dec. 30, Page A4). The Times-Standard’s pathetic whataboutism ignores the history of this shutdown, so you are part of the problem. The article claims the “math” shows the votes aren’t there for a particular plan, and “adults” would just cut a deal. In reality, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan spending deal that could easily win an overwhelming majority in the House. One person is solely responsible for the shutdown (hint: it’s the one who said, “I am proud to shut down the government”). What would it take for the Times-Standard to assign responsibility where it belongs? Do you feel no responsibility to your audience beyond avoiding all offense and sticking with uncontroversial platitudes?